May 9, 2012 Edition

Cats earn regional title

Zach Carson recorded 10 strikeouts for Walnut Ridge in the Bobcats' 22-0 victory over Pangburn in the first round of regional tournament action at Marked Tree. He pitched the complete five-inning game, only allowing one hit and three walks.
Submitted Photo ~ Ashley George

Nathan Hibbard
Staff Writer

An 11-run second inning propelled the Walnut Ridge Bobcats to a 14-1 victory over Marmaduke in the finals of the 2A-North Regional Baseball Tournament on Monday at Marked Tree.

Walnut Ridge scored a run in the top of the first inning when Eric Wilcoxson singled, stole second and third, and scored on a sac fly by Zach Crisler.

Cole Hicks played a big role in the Bobcats' second-inning outburst. Hicks doubled with the bases loaded, driving in three runs. He drove in two more runs with a single later in the inning.

Walnut Ridge added two additional runs in the run-ruled contest.

Hicks finished with three hits, including two doubles, and six RBIs.

Baron Estes pitched a complete game to earn the win. He allowed one run on two hits and recorded six strikeouts.

Walnut Ridge will compete in the 2A State Tournament, hosted by White Hall High School. The Bobcats will play Union Christian Academy of Fort Smith on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Semifinals

The Bobcats staged a late rally to defeat the host Marked Tree Indians 10-5 in the semifinals on Saturday.

The Cats trailed 5-3 after five innings, but exploded for seven runs in the sixth. Pitcher Ryan Vaughn held the Indians scoreless in the final inning to secure the win.

At the plate for the Bobcats, Hunter Flippo batted 2-for-3, including a double. Teague Phillips went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Tyler Dickson also had two hits.

Vaughn came on in relief in the fourth inning and went the rest of the way to earn the victory. He allowed one run on one hit and struck out five batters.

First round

Walnut Ridge opened the tournament with a 22-0 rout of Pangburn on Friday.

The Bobcats made short work of the Tigers, scoring four runs in the first inning, aided by five Pangburn errors. Walnut Ridge exploded for 12 runs in the second inning, then added three more runs in each of the third and fourth innings.

Walnut Ridge was led offensively by Hicks, who had two hits and drove in three runs. Vaughn had a pair of doubles and two RBIs. Crisler and Flippo added a pair of hits and two RBIs apiece. Estes had one hit and two RBIs. Range Weeks and Rowdy Ditto each added a hit and one RBI apiece.